This review may contain spoilers
Excellent Movie with Great Acting Performances
I'm not intro prisoner movies but I was so excited for this movie the moment it was announced because of the cast (Dennis Trillo plus featuring Iza Calzado) and the director (Zig Dulay, who directed one of my favorite Filipino series Maria Clara at Ibarra). It did not disappoint.Surely there are some parts of the story that is a bit predictable (I kind of guessed that Dennis's character is nicer than he is, why else would a movie that stars him as a prisoner be a movie about hope and kindness?). However the way the story is presented still amazes me. I love the fact that we are presented a complete picture of the story through two different narratives/points of view. First, from Ruru's Javier character, where we understand why he thinks criminals can never be repentant of their actions and then later on Dennis's Domingo, where we learn that we never really know a person's real personality unless we actually spend time with the person.
I thought Dennis's character Domingo has some similarities with Flower of Evil's (https://mydramalist.com/54625-flower-of-evil) main character Do Hyun Soo, both are suspected criminals, both are talented in woodcarving, both have close relationships with a little girl. Even with the characters having similarities (even both shows have a theme of even a person who appears or has done wicked things in the past, he/she can show some goodness), Green Bones is still very different from Flower of Evil, and its plot is very unique.
The acting performances are also great. From the trailers alone, it's very obvious that Dennis has amazing range and acting capabilities. You see him as the character, not as Dennis Trillo playing the character (I especially felt this as I'm currently watching his TV series Pulang Araw where he played a ruthless Japanese officer). He has good chemistry with the little girl who played his niece Ruth (Sienna Stevens). This is my first time watching Ruru Madrid and he certainly was able to held his own against Dennis Trillo. Wendell Ramos is effective as a ruthless guard, he really was so scary in this movie. I also enjoyed seeing Alessandra De Rossi and Iza Calzado, both gave great performances despite their acting parts being short (I also love Iza and Dennis's family chemistry). The girls who played Ruth (Sienna Stevens and Sofia Pablo) are also great rising young actresses. I love seeing Mikoy Morales here after Pulang Araw, it's hilarious to see him and Dennis being friends here when Dennis's Pulang Araw character tortured his (Mikoy) character.
I'll rate this movie 9.5/10
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This review may contain spoilers
Green Bones: A Tale of Justice, Redemption, and the Grey in Between
"Green Bones: A Tale of Justice, Redemption, and the Grey in Between"Green Bones is a cinematic gem that should be on everyone’s must-watch list this year. Directed by Zig Dulay and written by Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, based on a concept by JC Rubio, this 2024 Philippine prison drama challenges audiences to rethink their notions of morality, justice, and redemption. Featuring standout performances by Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid, the film premiered on December 25, 2024, as part of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, and has already left audiences buzzing.
The story hinges on a powerful concept: green bones, found in a person’s cremated remains, symbolize a life of goodness—something remorseless criminals could never possess. Against this intriguing backdrop, the narrative unfolds with Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru Madrid), a grief-stricken corrections officer determined to prevent the release of Domingo Zamora (Dennis Trillo), a man convicted of the gruesome murder of his sister and niece. As Xavier wrestles with his bias, the film peels back the layers of Zamora’s story, challenging assumptions and delving into the grey areas of human nature.
A Philosophical and Emotional Journey
From the first scene, Green Bones grabs your attention with its philosophical depth and unflinching exploration of morality. Dulay’s direction turns what could have been a typical prison drama into a dark, fairy-tale-like meditation on justice. The screenplay is taut, with precise pacing that keeps the runtime feeling concise yet impactful. Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza's writing deftly balances drama and introspection, offering a narrative that’s both deeply human and profoundly thought-provoking.
The film’s philosophical approach is where it truly shines. It dismantles binary notions of good and evil, reminding us that human beings are capable of both. The narrative underscores that our choices—and how we take responsibility for them—define our morality. Moreover, it critiques systemic injustices that often label individuals as entirely good or bad, urging viewers to look deeper.
A Visual and Performative Triumph
Neil Daza’s cinematography deserves special mention, with sweeping aerial shots juxtaposed against intimate close-ups that reveal the characters’ inner turmoil. The prison, reminiscent of the real-life Iwahig Penal Colony in Palawan, serves as a visual metaphor for the film’s themes: a place of confinement that also offers the possibility of growth and redemption.
Dennis Trillo delivers a career-defining performance as Zamora, transitioning seamlessly between menace and vulnerability. His portrayal is a masterclass in nuanced acting, anchoring the film with emotional depth. Ruru Madrid complements him perfectly, bringing raw intensity to Gonzaga’s internal struggle. Together, they create a dynamic that is both heartbreaking and cathartic. The supporting cast, including Alessandra de Rossi, Iza Calzado, and Ronnie Lazaro, enrich the film’s tapestry, each bringing their A-game to their respective roles.
Themes That Resonate
Green Bones is not just about individual redemption; it’s a commentary on societal systems. Through its characters and their stories, the film highlights how systemic injustices affect everyone involved—victims, perpetrators, and enforcers alike. It challenges the audience to question their own prejudices and to recognize the humanity in those society often deems irredeemable.
The film also touches on themes of hope and transformation. The symbolic tree where characters tie their wishes mirrors Buddhist prayer flags, reinforcing the idea that goodness can prevail even in the darkest of places.
A Final Word
Green Bones is a cinematic triumph that transcends its genre. It’s a deeply moving exploration of justice and redemption, brought to life by stellar performances and masterful storytelling. Dulay’s direction, combined with Lee and Atienza’s writing, ensures that the film not only entertains but also provokes meaningful reflection.
By the time the credits roll, you’ll find yourself grappling with questions about morality, forgiveness, and the human capacity for change. And perhaps, like many others, you might leave the theater with a few tears shed and a heart full of empathy.
Green Bones is more than just a movie—it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and, ultimately, a call to look beyond the surface and into the soul of what makes us human.
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